Multifunction alternator testing device
First Claim
1. A device capable of testing a variety of motor vehicle alternators for testing a single alternator under conditions identical to conditions encountered in a motor vehicle when the alternator is in use in the motor vehicle, said device comprising:
- (a) a frame;
(b) an alternator mounting bracket attached to said frame; and
(c) an operator-controlled circuit proximate said alternator mounting bracket for selective alternator testing, said testing circuit comprising;
(1) a power supply;
(2) a motor;
(3) a first subcircuit for directly measuring and displaying any alternator reverse current leakage;
(4) a second subcircuit for measuring and displaying alternator charging voltage output;
(5) a third subcircuit for measuring and displaying maximum alternator current output;
(6) a fourth subcircuit for detecting and indicating alternator diode and stator imbalance; and
(7) an operator-controlled switch array for selecting which of said subcircuits is in use.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An alternator testing device has a frame to which is secured an adjustable bracket for mounting an alternator. A housing, which is also secured to the frame includes a control panel and a testing circuit. The control panel permits the operator to configure the circuit to perform a series of tests to determine whether the alternator is functioning properly. These tests are conducted in a manner which replicates the operation of the alternator in a motor vehicle, rather than in a simulation.
216 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device capable of testing a variety of motor vehicle alternators for testing a single alternator under conditions identical to conditions encountered in a motor vehicle when the alternator is in use in the motor vehicle, said device comprising:
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(a) a frame; (b) an alternator mounting bracket attached to said frame; and (c) an operator-controlled circuit proximate said alternator mounting bracket for selective alternator testing, said testing circuit comprising; (1) a power supply; (2) a motor; (3) a first subcircuit for directly measuring and displaying any alternator reverse current leakage; (4) a second subcircuit for measuring and displaying alternator charging voltage output; (5) a third subcircuit for measuring and displaying maximum alternator current output; (6) a fourth subcircuit for detecting and indicating alternator diode and stator imbalance; and (7) an operator-controlled switch array for selecting which of said subcircuits is in use. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A device capable of testing a variety of motor vehicle alternators for testing a single alternator under conditions identical to conditions encountered in a motor vehicle when the alternator is in use in the motor vehicle, said device comprising:
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(a) a frame; (b) an alternator mounting bracket attached to said frame; and (c) an operator-controlled testing circuit proximate said alternator mounting bracket for selective alternator testing, said testing circuit comprising; (1) a power supply; (2) a motor; (3) a first unit for directly measuring and displaying any alternator reverse current leakage; (4) a second unit for measuring and displaying alternator charging voltage output; (5) a third unit for measuring and displaying maximum alternator current output; and (6) a fourth unit for detecting and indicating alternator diode and stator imbalance; (7) an operator-controlled switch array for selecting which of said units is in use. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A device capable of testing a variety of motor vehicle alternators for testing a single alternator under conditions identical to conditions encountered in a motor vehicle when the alternator is in use in the motor vehicle, said device comprising:
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(a) a frame; (b) an alternator mounting bracket attached to said frame, wherein said alternator mounting bracket comprises; (1) an L-shaped brace; (2) first and second mounting pins slidable on said brace; (3) a belt; (4) a belt guard; and (5) means for selectively increasing and decreasing tension of said belt when it is operatively connected to said alternator; and (c) an operator-controlled circuit proximate said alternator mounting bracket for selective alternator testing, said testing circuit comprising; (1) a power supply comprising a plurality of batteries and means for recharging said batteries using standard household electrical service; (2) a voltage selection switch for configuring said device to test an alternator rated at a preselected voltage output; (3) a motor; (4) a first subcircuit for directly measuring and displaying any alternator reverse current leakage; (5) a second subcircuit for measuring and displaying alternator charging voltage output; (6) a third subcircuit for measuring and displaying maximum alternator current output; (7) a fourth subcircuit for detecting and indicating alternator diode and stator imbalance; and (8) an operator-controlled switch array for selecting which of said subcircuits is in use (9) a first switch permitting the operator to select a preselected alternator voltage rating; (10) a second switch permitting the operator to turn on said operator-controlled circuit for selective alternator testing; (11) a third switch permitting the operator to selectively perform alternator remagnetization and alternator reverse current leakage measurement and display; (12) a fourth switch permitting the operator to test alternator charging voltage output and alternator maximum current output; and (13) a fifth switch permitting the operator to turn said motor on and off. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification